Report: Aqib Talib ‘prefers’ release from Broncos in lieu of trade

Mar 7, 2018, 4:33 PM

If the Denver Broncos opt to move on from All-Pro Aqib Talib, the veteran cornerback reportedly prefers it be via a release instead of trade.

ESPN’s Dianna Russini reported Wednesday afternoon that Talib “prefers” a release from the team so he can “choose his next team.”

“His top choice is the New England Patriots, per sources,” Russini said.

I’m told there had been trade conversations going on between
the Broncos & the 49ers for Aqib Talib. It doesn’t look like it’s going to
get done. Told Talib prefers to be released by Denver so he can chose his next team, his top choice is the New England Patriots per sources

— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) March 7, 2018

Russini also reports that Denver and the San Francisco 49ers had been in trade talks regarding Talib, though a deal doesn’t look likely.

The news comes just a week after Talib tweeted out “who (sic) coming to get me?” in reply to a report from NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport that the Broncos could move on from him this offseason.

👀 who coming to get me??? https://t.co/Tm2I3AGW9O

— AqibTalib21 (@AqibTalib21) February 28, 2018

Before signing with the Broncos in 2014, Talib spent parts of two seasons with the Patriots, making 18 starts with the team after being traded midway through the 2012 season from Tampa Bay.

During his tenure in Denver, Talib went to four consecutive Pro Bowls while also earning First-Team All-Pro honors in 2016. During those four seasons, the Broncos “No Fly Zone” defensive secondary ranked no lower than ninth in the NFL in terms of pass defense, grading out as the league’s top unit in 2015 and 2016.

Talib, who graded as Pro Football Focus’ 15th-ranked cornerback in 2017, has a salary cap hit of $12 million in 2018 and $8 million in 2019, according to Spotrac.com, with only $1 million in dead cap.

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @johnnyhart7.